Turtle Bay has created around 60 jobs with many of the waitresses and bar staff being put through their paces on opening night.

Fran Toal, general manager of Preston Turtle Bay, was confident they could succeed in the city.

He said: “I keep being asked ‘why Preston?’. I respond with why not? It’s a growing city and still a relatively young one.

“This is a great location onto a historic part of Preston and I think we’re offering something different for the people of the city to enjoy.”

Councillors from Preston City Council were out in force attending the launch, including the current Mayor Nick Pomfret and former Mayor councillor Carl Crompton who got his selfie on for this slightly disturbing picture.